FAQ's on Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is malignant abnormal cell growth in the breast. If left untreated the cancer spreads to other areas of the body (called metastasis). Fibrocystic changes (e.g., formation of cysts, scar tissue) may cause benign (i.e., noncancerous) lumps in the breast. It is important for women to become familiar with their breasts and report changes (e.g., lump, nipple discharge, asymmetry) to their health care practitioner.

Most tumors that involve the breast during childhood are benign (noncancerous), yet cancers have been reported in both males and females younger than 21 years. There is an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer in female survivors of Hodgkin's disease who were treated with radiation to the chest area. Mammograms should start at age 25 for any patient who has had radiation therapy to the chest. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. For children and adolescents with breast cancer. Breast tumors may also occur as cancers that have spread from other types of cancer such as leukemia, rhabdomyosarcoma, or other sarcomas.

Breast cancer is malignant abnormal cell growth in the breast. If left untreated the cancer spreads to other areas of the body (called metastasis). Fibrocystic changes (e.g., formation of cysts, scar tissue) may cause benign (i.e., noncancerous) lumps in the breast. It is important for women to become familiar with their breasts and report changes (e.g., lump, nipple discharge, asymmetry) to their health care practitioner.